What are Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals?
A DOT physical is a routine checkup used to ensure you’re healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck or a city bus.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to undergo a DOT physical every two years. However, if you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), more frequent checkups might be necessary.
What do DOT physicals involve?
At Sage Medical Clinic, DOT physicals include:
Filling out a detailed health history
At the beginning of a DOT physical, you fill out a health history form that asks about your lifestyle, the medications you take, and the medical conditions you’re living with. Answer these questions honestly. The team won’t judge you, and your answers will help guide treatment.
Physical examination
Your Sage Medical Clinic provider completes a head-to-toe physical exam. They test your vision, hearing, and blood pressure.
Your provider fills out a DOT physical certification form at the end of your exam.
What if my DOT physical identifies an underlying health problem?
If your Sage Medical Clinic provider identifies an underlying health problem during your DOT physical, they make personalized treatment recommendations. In most cases, if you can show that your condition is manageable and that you’re working closely with a physician, you can still maintain your commercial driver’s license.
Even so, some medical conditions can disqualify you from driving commercially, including:
- Epilepsy
- Narcolepsy
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Poor vision that can’t be corrected with glasses or contacts
Call Sage Medical Clinic today to schedule a DOT physical or book your appointment online.
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